South Florida @ UCF preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 6, 2008 ) South Florida 31, Central Florida 24

There is plenty on the line for No. 19 Central Florida when it hosts South Florida on Friday, but the Knights are trying their best to stay focused. The Knights can clinch a share of the American Athletic Conference title - and a potential BCS berth - with a victory, not to mention it would be their first win against the Bulls. “We don’t pay attention to anything of that matter,” senior offensive lineman Justin McCray said. “We’re just making sure we’re practicing hard and making sure we’ll be ready for the challenge on Friday.”

South Florida is 4-0 all-time in the series, although the Bulls are enduring a disappointing season that has featured four straight defeats entering this weekend. The Knights, meanwhile, have not lost since late September, reeling off six straight triumphs to set the stage for this matchup. "It’s a big conference game," Central Florida coach George O'Leary said, "and I think that’s where the kids have their eyes set as far as you have to win these conference games to get where we want to get.”

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Central Florida -27

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (2-8, 2-4 AAC): The Bulls have faced two ranked teams this season, losing to Miami and Louisville by a combined margin of 83-24. South Florida dropped a 16-6 defeat to Southern Methodist last week despite holding the Mustangs to a season-low 229 passing yards - one week after limiting Memphis to just 59 passing yards. Senior wideout Andre Davis will be a focal point for the Central Florida defense as he ranks fifth all-time at South Florida in both career receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,441).

ABOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA (9-1, 6-0): The Knights are 5-1 this season in games decided by seven points or less, although last week's 49-17 rout of Rutgers featured no such drama. Blake Bortles threw for 335 yards and recorded a touchdown through the air and another on the ground, while Storm Johnson had two rushing scores. In addition to its dynamic offense, Central Florida does not hurt itself with stupid plays, as O'Leary's team has committed the fewest penalties in the AAC and has committed the ninth-fewest turnovers in the country.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Bortles has 20 touchdowns and only five interceptions this season and over the last two games has recorded 739 passing yards with five scores and no picks.

2. This is the 200th football game in South Florida history and the 400th for Central Florida.

3. South Florida K Marvin Kloss has already set team single-season records for field goals of 40-plus yards (nine) and 50-plus yards (four).

PREDICTION: Central Florida 33, South Florida 16